Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director of Nursing plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Nursing Service Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern the facility.

Responsibilities:
-    Direct the nursing service department in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines governing long-term care.
-    Make recommendations to the Administrator, as necessary/required, concerning the operation of the nursing service department.
-    Coordinate nursing services with other resident services to ensure the continuity of the residents' total regimen of care.
-    Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.
-    Assist in developing and implementing appropriate plans of action to correct identified deficiencies.
-    Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary.
-    Schedule, attend, and participate in developing the agenda for Care Plan Committee meetings as necessary.
-    Participate in Discharge Plans and make such plans available to the Care Plan Committee as required or as may be necessary.
-    Determine the staffing needs of the nursing service department necessary to meet the total nursing needs of the residents.
-    Assist the Administrator and/or the Human Resources Manager in the recruitment and selection of nursing service personnel.
-    Assist in developing performance evaluation schedules, criteria, and annual reviews for the department.
-    Make daily rounds of the department to ensure that staff are performing work assignments in accordance with nursing standards.
-    Participate in the interviewing and selection of residents for admission to the facility, including PASARR screenings.
-    Provide the Administrator with information on nursing needs of residents and the department's ability to meet those needs.
-    Inform nursing service personnel of new admissions, their expected time of arrival, room assignment, etc.
-    Make rounds with physicians as necessary. Schedule physician visits as necessary.
-    Monitor medication passes & treatment schedules to ensure medications are administered as ordered and treatments provided.
-    Provide direct nursing care as necessary.
-    Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.
-    Monitor nursing care to ensure that all residents are treated fairly, and with kindness, dignity, and respect.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
-    Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of Massachusetts.
-    Must have, as a minimum, 5 year(s) of experience as a supervisor in a hospital, long-term care facility, or other related health care facility.
-    Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
-    Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
-    Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
-    Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.
-    Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
-    Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, & be willing to handle residents, staff, and visitors, based on whatever maturity level at which they are functioning.
-    Must be able to maintain good personnel relations and employee morale.
-    Must be able to communicate policies, procedures, regulations, reports, etc., to personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and government agencies/personnel.